MALAYA: Into the Ambush

In Malaya, where 98% of the Communist strength is among the Chinese, Manap Jepun was a key man. He was one of the few Malayans who would desert Allah for Marx. So he was placed in command of the loth (Malay) Regiment, a unit about 150 men strong and the only all-Malayan regiment on the Communist side.

For two years he held almost undisputed control of the back jungle country in Pahang, terrorizing villagers with his senseless cruelty. Late in 1950, disgusted with his ruthlessness and disillusioned with Communism, many of his own soldiers began to desert him. In one...

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